The University of Mississippi Athletics
Mason Nichols Named 2025 NCAA Walter Byers Scholarship Recipient
4/14/2025 | Baseball
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss baseball senior Mason Nichols has been named one of the two recipients of the 2025 Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship, one of the NCAA's highest academic honors.
Nichols has now been awarded the highest academic honor by both the NCAA and the University of Mississippi, being named a recipient of the Taylor Medal last week.
Nichols has been a mainstay in the Rebels' starting rotation this season, making a start in every weekend series so far. In nine starts, he has posted an ERA of 4.54 while striking out 41 batters over 35.2 innings of work. On March 2, in a start against Wright State Nichols struck out a career-high 10 hitters and is one of only two Rebel pitchers to reach double-digit strikeouts in a game this season.
The Mississippi native has been with the Rebels for all four seasons of his career, appearing in 70 games to date, more than any other pitcher on staff. He was a key contributor for Ole Miss in 2022 when they won the College World Series, making 21 appearances as a freshman.
Nichols will graduate with a degree in biological sciences in May. A three-year team representative on Ole Miss's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Nichols' community involvement has included volunteering at events for individuals with special needs, church activities for the elderly and team projects to give back to low-income families.
Nichols credits college baseball with shaping his approach to leadership, resilience and service. His experience competing at the highest level taught him how to navigate pressure, earn trust and lead with consistency — qualities he plans to carry into his medical career. He sees strong parallels between the discipline and teamwork required on the field and the demands of health care, especially in underserved communities. As a future physician, Nichols is committed to improving access to care in Mississippi and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals in his home state.
Established in 1988, the Walter Byers Scholarship program annually awards $24,000 scholarships to one male and one female student-athlete. The scholarship, which may be renewed for a second year, honors those who combine excellence in academics and athletics and show potential as future leaders.
STAY CONNECTED
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss baseball on X at @OleMissBSB, on Facebook at Facebook.com/OleMissBaseball, on Instagram at Instagram.com/officialolemissbsb and on TikTok at @olemissbsb. Also, follow head coach Mike Bianco on X at @CoachMikeBianco.
Nichols has now been awarded the highest academic honor by both the NCAA and the University of Mississippi, being named a recipient of the Taylor Medal last week.
Nichols has been a mainstay in the Rebels' starting rotation this season, making a start in every weekend series so far. In nine starts, he has posted an ERA of 4.54 while striking out 41 batters over 35.2 innings of work. On March 2, in a start against Wright State Nichols struck out a career-high 10 hitters and is one of only two Rebel pitchers to reach double-digit strikeouts in a game this season.
The Mississippi native has been with the Rebels for all four seasons of his career, appearing in 70 games to date, more than any other pitcher on staff. He was a key contributor for Ole Miss in 2022 when they won the College World Series, making 21 appearances as a freshman.
Nichols will graduate with a degree in biological sciences in May. A three-year team representative on Ole Miss's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Nichols' community involvement has included volunteering at events for individuals with special needs, church activities for the elderly and team projects to give back to low-income families.
Nichols credits college baseball with shaping his approach to leadership, resilience and service. His experience competing at the highest level taught him how to navigate pressure, earn trust and lead with consistency — qualities he plans to carry into his medical career. He sees strong parallels between the discipline and teamwork required on the field and the demands of health care, especially in underserved communities. As a future physician, Nichols is committed to improving access to care in Mississippi and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals in his home state.
Established in 1988, the Walter Byers Scholarship program annually awards $24,000 scholarships to one male and one female student-athlete. The scholarship, which may be renewed for a second year, honors those who combine excellence in academics and athletics and show potential as future leaders.
STAY CONNECTED
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss baseball on X at @OleMissBSB, on Facebook at Facebook.com/OleMissBaseball, on Instagram at Instagram.com/officialolemissbsb and on TikTok at @olemissbsb. Also, follow head coach Mike Bianco on X at @CoachMikeBianco.
Players Mentioned
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